Sex-Based Variations in Metal(loid) Levels in Green Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus, Decapoda:Penaeidae) from the Northeastern Mediterranean Coast of Türkiye: A Human Health Risk-Benefit Assessment

TL;DR

This study examines metal levels in green tiger shrimp from Turkey's Mediterranean coast, finding that metal concentrations vary by sex and location, with potential health risks in certain areas.

Contribution

The study introduces sex-specific and region-specific risk assessments for metal contamination in shrimp, highlighting localized bioaccumulation and the importance of selenium-mercury interactions.

Findings

Male shrimps in Iskenderun Bay had 10-fold higher Chromium levels than females, indicating sex-specific bioaccumulation.

Lead contamination exceeded EU limits in multiple locations, while Mercury risks were offset by high Selenium levels.

Localized Chromium and Lead risks highlight the need for region-specific and sex-specific seafood safety assessments.

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of 12 metal(loid)s in the muscle tissue of the commercially vital shrimp, Penaeus semisulcatus, from four stations (Bozyazi, Silifke, Karatas, and Iskenderun) along the Northeastern Mediterranean. Metal concentrations were evaluated separately for males and females, utilizing Estimated Weekly Intake (EWI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Carcinogenic Risk (CR), and Selenium Health Benefit Value (HBVSe) indices. While the species is generally safe for consumption across the region, a striking, localized bioaccumulation of Chromium (Cr) was identified specifically in Iskenderun Bay, where male shrimps exhibited concentrations (1.209 mg/kg wet weight) approximately 10-fold higher than females, highlighting a sex-specific sensitivity likely linked to metabolic and physiological differences. By adopting a precautionary risk assessment framework—considering the region’s intense industrial profile—this localized spike resulted in a Total Carcinogenic Risk (∑CR = 5.15 × 10−4) for this group, exceeding the priority threshold. Furthermore, widespread Lead (Pb) contamination was detected across all stations, with several samples surpassing EU maximum levels (0.50 mg/kg). Regarding Arsenic (As), while high total concentrations led to THQ values > 1 across the regional gradient, this was characterized as a conservative modeling artifact rather than a physiological threat, as Arsenic in crustaceans is predominantly in the non-toxic organic form. Conversely, any potential risk from Mercury (Hg) was conclusively mitigated by an overwhelming molar excess of Selenium (Se) at all locations, confirmed by consistently positive HBVSe values (0.312–0.658). In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that seafood safety is conditional and region-specific. The study underscores that localized contamination “hotspots” can be easily masked by non-sex-specific sampling and emphasizes the necessity of moving beyond simplistic risk models by incorporating selenium-mercury antagonism and precautionary risk assumptions for industrial pollutants.

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